Robbie Neilson is confident of tying Scotland hero Craig Gordon down on an extended contract - joking the Hearts number one is in line for a new 15-YEAR deal!
The Tynecastle boss confirmed Gordon has a clause in his current contract, which expires at the end of the season, that the club is looking to activate.
The 38-year-old goalkeeper has been in the form of his life for club and country and again pulled Scotland out a hole with two brilliant saves in the 1-0 win in the Faroe Islands on Tuesday.
And ahead of the top of the table clash with Rangers at Ibrox on Saturday, Neilson revealed the club captain is closing in on a new deal.
He said: “We’re keen to get him tied down, he has a clause in his contract and we’re trying to move forward on that.
“I don’t see it being too much of an issue here, he is very settled. His family stay around the corner.
“So hopefully we’ll get it done.”
Asked about the length of the contract Neilson went on: “Fifteen years! As long as Craig wants to play he’ll be here, hopefully.
“He turns 39 later this year and he is still fit as a fiddle.
“So whatever Craig wants to do, we’re happy to facilitate it.
“At Craig’s age and his situation with the family staying in Edinburgh and eventually looking to get into coaching as well I think this is the perfect place for him.
“He knew he was coming in as number one, so it all fell into place really. And we were pleased to get it done.”
Gordon will be a crucial figure again at Ibrox on Saturday as Hearts look to go top of the table.
And Neilson admits even just his presence between the sticks is vital - as he again proved for Scotland on Tuesday night.
He said: “That’s what Craig does, he is very steady with the simple things.
“Then he makes the exceptional looks easy as well. Hopefully he continues that with us.
“That’s what top keepers do, he is playing in a good team just now and he gives us that base.
“When he is called upon he makes the save and you need that.
“And he gives the rest of the team that confidence as well.
“For me goalkeeper is a massively important position in the team, if you are going to strengthen then it’s one of the first positions you would look at, keeper, centre half, striker.
“We’re pleased we have got that.”
